New York deal: Get $20 'rush' tickets to off-Broadway shows

Theater in New York can be notoriously expensive, but cheap seats rule during the two-week off-Broadway theater event called "20at20." Here's how it works: Tickets cost just $20 a seat but don't go on sale until 20 minutes before the show.

The deal: The "20at20" event, now in its fifth year, is organized by the nonprofit Off Broadway Alliance. The discounted tickets apply to more than 30 shows, including “The Fantasticks,” "The Flying Karamazov Brothers" and "Stomp." There are some nice kid-friendly options for families. (Click here to see a list.) To get the deal, tickets must be bought at the box office just 20 minutes before the show starts.

When: Good Jan. 24 to Feb. 6.

Details: A bit like buying rush tickets, "20at20" is based on availability. The FAQs at the alliance's website say sales are limited to one ticket per person. So all members of your party have to be at the box office, and you might not get seats together.

How early should you turn up to line up? An Off Broadway Alliance spokesman suggested 30 minutes before the show.